Telecommunications assembly

ABSTRACT

A telecommunications assembly includes a chassis defining an interior region and a tray assembly disposed in the interior region. The tray assembly includes a tray and a cable spool assembly. The cable spool assembly is engaged to a base panel of the tray. The cable spool assembly is adapted to rotate relative to the tray. The cable spool assembly includes a hub, a flange engaged to the hub and an adapter module. The flange defines a termination area. The adapter module is engaged to the termination module of the flange. The adapter module is adapted to slide relative to the flange in a direction that is generally parallel to the flange between an extended position and a retracted position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 15/945,891, filed Apr. 5, 2018; which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 15/589,582, filed May 8, 2017, issued asU.S. Pat. No. 9,995,898 on Jun. 12, 2018; which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/096,707, filed Apr. 12, 2016, issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 9,678,296 on Jun. 13, 2017; which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/855,971, filed Sep. 16, 2015, issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 9,341,802 on May 17, 2016; which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/597,936 filed Jan. 15, 2015, issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 9,170,392, on Oct. 27, 2015; which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/060,223, filed Oct. 22, 2013, issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 8,938,147 on Jan. 20, 2015; which is a continuation ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/167,550, filed Jun. 23, 2011, issuedas U.S. Pat. No. 8,565,572, on Oct. 22, 2013; which claims the benefitof U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/487,542, filed May18, 2011; 61/378,710, filed Aug. 31, 2010; and 61/357,898, filed Jun.23, 2010, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entireties.

FIELD

The inventive aspects of this disclosure pertain to devices and methodsfor deploying, routing, housing, storing, shipping, connecting, andmanaging telecommunications cable and connections.

BACKGROUND

Telecommunication cabling systems typically include cabinets that houseterminations and connections/interconnections of telecommunicationcables. The telecommunication cables can include electrical cable, fiberoptic cable, and/or hybrid cable that includes both electrical andoptical conductors. The cabinets typically allow terminations of thevarious cables to be connected, disconnected, and/or reconnected toother terminations of the various cables. In this way, the routing ofsignals across a telecommunications network can be configured andreconfigured as desired. For example, a trunk cable from a main officeof a telecommunications provider or a data center may be branched tovarious branch cables at the cabinet. Each of the branch cables may thenbe routed to an end-user or to another cabinet.

The telecommunications cable can be stored on, delivered on, anddeployed by spools. The cable is typically wound on the spool at afactory that produced the cable. Upon delivery to an installation site,the cable can be unwound from the spool and deployed. The cabinet canhold terminations/connectors of the cables that are routed to it.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunicationsassembly having a chassis defining an interior region and a trayassembly disposed in the interior region. The tray assembly includes atray and a cable spool assembly. The cable spool assembly is engaged toa base panel of the tray. The cable spool assembly is adapted to rotaterelative to the tray. The cable spool assembly includes a hub, a flangeengaged to the hub and an adapter module. The flange defines atermination area. The adapter module is engaged to the terminationmodule of the flange. The adapter module is adapted to slide relative tothe flange in a direction that is generally parallel to the flangebetween an extended position and a retracted position.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunicationsassembly. The telecommunications assembly includes a chassis that isadapted for connection to a rack. A tray assembly is removably mountedin the chassis. The tray assembly includes a tray, a cable spoolrotatably mounted to the tray and a plurality of adapters mounted to thetray. The tray assembly can be inserted into and removed from thechassis as a unit without requiring the cable spool or the plurality ofadapters to be detached from the tray. The tray carries the cable spooland the plurality of adapters during insertion and removal.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a cable assembly.The cable assembly includes a first cable spool. The first cable spoolincludes a drum having a first axial end and an oppositely disposedsecond axial end. A first flange is engaged to the first axial end ofthe drum while a second flange is engaged to the second axial end of thedrum. A tray assembly is mounted to an outer surface of the first flangeof the cable spool. The tray assembly includes a tray that defines alateral direction and a front-to-back direction that is generallyperpendicular to the lateral direction. A second cable spool isrotatably mounted to the tray. A plurality of adapters is slidablymounted to the second cable spool of the tray assembly. The plurality ofadapters is adapted to slide relative to the tray in a direction that isgenerally parallel to the front-to-back direction.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunicationsapparatus. The telecommunications apparatus includes a tray, a firstspool, a plurality of fiber optic adapters, a second spool, and a fiberoptic cable assembly. The tray is configured to mount within a housing.The housing is adapted for connection to a telecommunications rack. Thetray includes a base having a top side and a bottom side. The firstspool is mounted to the tray at a location above the top side of thebase. The first spool is rotatable relative to the tray. The fiber opticadapters are carried by the first spool when the first spool is rotatedrelative to the tray. The second spool is mounted to the tray at alocation below the bottom side of the base. The fiber optic cableassembly includes a main cable portion that is spooled about the firstspool and is also spooled about the second spool. The main cable portionincludes a jacket containing a plurality of optical fibers. The fiberoptic cable assembly also includes a broken-out portion where theoptical fibers are broken-out from the jacket and incorporated intoseparate pigtails having connectorized ends that are received within thefiber optic adapters. The connectorized pigtails extend at leastpartially along a fiber routing path that extends along the top side ofthe base of the tray from the first spool to the fiber optic adapters.The second spool is mounted to the tray such that the tray rotates inconcert with the second spool when the main cable portion of the fiberoptic cable assembly is paid out from the second spool. The first spoolrotates relative to the tray when the main cable portion of the fiberoptic cable assembly is paid out from the first spool.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunicationsapparatus. The telecommunications apparatus includes a tray, a firstspool, at least one fiber optic adapter, a second spool, and a fiberoptic cable. The tray is configured to mount within a housing that isadapted for connection to a telecommunications rack. The tray includes abase having a top side and a bottom side. The first spool is mounted tothe tray at a location above the top side of the base. The first spoolis rotatable relative to the tray. The at least one fiber optic adapteris carried by the first spool when the first spool is rotated relativeto the tray. The second spool is mounted to the tray at a location belowthe bottom side of the base. The fiber optic cable is spooled about thefirst spool and is also spooled about the second spool. The second spoolis mounted to the tray such that the tray rotates in concert with thesecond spool when the fiber optic cable is paid out from the secondspool. The first spool rotates relative to the tray when the fiber opticcable is paid out from the first spool.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunicationsapparatus. The telecommunications apparatus includes a housing, a tray,a first spool, and a fiber optic cable. The housing is adapted forconnection to a telecommunications rack. The housing includes a housingbody that defines a cross-dimension, a height, and a depth. Thecross-dimension is measured in a direction perpendicular relative to theheight and the depth. The housing also including flanges for fasteningthe housing body to the telecommunications rack. The flanges areseparated from one another by the cross-dimension of the housing. Thetray can be inserted into the housing and removed from the housing. Thefirst spool is mounted to the tray. The first spool is rotatablerelative to the tray about an axis of rotation. The first spool includesfirst and second flanges that are spaced apart along the axis ofrotation. The first spool also includes a core aligned along the axis ofrotation and positioned between the first and second flanges. The coredefines an elongated spooling path that defines a major dimension and aminor dimension. The fiber optic cable is spooled about the elongatedspooling path of the core. The first spool rotates about the axis ofrotation relative to the tray when the fiber optic cable is paid outfrom the first spool.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunicationsapparatus. The telecommunications apparatus includes a housing and atray. The housing is adapted for connection to a telecommunicationsrack. The housing includes a housing body that defines across-dimension, a height, and a depth. The cross-dimension is measuredin a direction perpendicular relative to the height and the depth. Thehousing also includes flanges for fastening the housing body to thetelecommunications rack. The flanges are separated from one another bythe cross-dimension of the housing body. The housing body includes frontand back ends that are separated by the depth of the housing body. Thetray can be mounted in the housing body. The tray carries at least onefiber optic adapter. The housing body and the tray are configured suchthat: a) the tray can be inserted into the housing body and removed fromthe housing body through the front end of the housing body; and b) thetray can be inserted into the housing body and removed from the housingbody through the back end of the housing body.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. These aspects can relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad concepts uponwhich the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a telecommunications assembly havingexemplary features of aspects in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the telecommunications assembly of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the telecommunicationsassembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the telecommunications assembly ofFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the telecommunications assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the telecommunicationsassembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tray assembly suitable for use withthe telecommunications assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a bend radius protector suitable for usewith the tray assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the bend radius protector of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the bend radius protector of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the bend radius protector of FIG. 9;

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a cable spool assembly suitable for usewith the tray assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the cable spool assembly of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a fan-out clip suitable for use withthe tray assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 16 is a front view of the fan-out clip of FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the fan-out clip of FIG. 15;

FIG. 18 is a top view of the fan-out clip of FIG. 15;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 7 showing anadapter module;

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 7 with theadapter module in an extended position;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a bushing suitable for use with thetray assembly;

FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the tray assembly taken through thebushing;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a locking mechanism suitable for usewith the tray assembly of FIG. 7;

FIG. 24 is a view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is an alternate embodiment of a telecommunications assemblyhaving exemplary features of aspects in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure;

FIG. 26 is an exploded perspective view of the telecommunicationsassembly of FIG. 25;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the telecommunications assembly of FIG.25 with a tray removed;

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of a cable assembly;

FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of the cable assembly of FIG.28;

FIG. 30 is a partial perspective view of a tray assembly suitable foruse with the telecommunications assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 31 is an exploded perspective view of the tray assembly of FIG. 30;

FIG. 32 is an exploded partial perspective view of the tray assembly ofFIG. 30;

FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an adapter module of the tray assemblyof FIG. 30;

FIG. 34 is an enlarged portion of the perspective view of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 is an exploded perspective view of a cable assembly;

FIG. 36 is a side view of the cable assembly of FIG. 35;

FIG. 37 is an enlarged portion of the side view of FIG. 36;

FIG. 38 is an exploded perspective view of a telecommunications assemblyhaving exemplary features of aspects in accordance with the principlesof the present disclosure;

FIG. 39 is a perspective view of the telecommunications assembly of FIG.38; and

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of a telecommunications assembly havingexemplary features of aspects in accordance with the principles of thepresent disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the exemplary aspects of thepresent disclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughoutthe drawings to refer to the same or like structure.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, a telecommunications assembly 10 is shown.The telecommunications assembly 10 includes a chassis 12 (e.g., anenclosure, a case, etc.) and a tray assembly 14 (e.g., a shelf assembly,a drawer assembly, etc.) that removably mounts in the chassis 12. Thetelecommunications assembly 10 is adapted for mounting to atelecommunications rack 15.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-6, the chassis 12 will be described. Thechassis 12 is adapted for connection to the rack 15. In the depictedembodiment, the chassis 12 is generally rectangular in shape. Thechassis 12 includes a base 16, a first sidewall 18, an oppositelydisposed second sidewall 20 and a cover 22. The base 16 includes a firstend 24, an oppositely disposed second end 26, a first side 28 thatextends between the first and second ends 24, 26 and an oppositelydisposed second side 30. In the depicted embodiment, the first end 24 isa front end of the base 16 while the second end 26 is a back end. In oneembodiment, the chassis 12 includes a major dimension W, which ismeasured from the first side 28 to the second side 30, and a minordimension D, which is measured from the first end 24 to the second end26. In the depicted embodiment, the major dimension W is greater thanthe minor dimension D.

The first and second sidewalls 18, 20 extend outwardly from the base 16.In the depicted embodiment, the first and second sidewalls 18, 20 extendoutwardly in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the base 16.In another embodiment, the first and second sidewalls 18, 20 extendoutwardly from the base 16 at an oblique angle.

The first sidewall 18 is disposed at the first side 28 of the base 16while the second sidewall 20 is disposed at the second side 30 of thebase 16. The first sidewall 18 includes a first end 32 a, an oppositelydisposed second end 32 b, a first side 34 a that extends between thefirst and second ends 32 a, 32 b of the first sidewall 18 and anoppositely disposed second side 34 b. The second sidewall 20 includes afirst end 36 a, an oppositely disposed second end 36 b, a first side 38a that extends between the first and second ends 36 a, 36 b of thesecond sidewall 20 and an oppositely disposed second side 38 b.

The first side 34 a of the first sidewall 18 is engaged to the firstside 28 of the base 16 so that the first end 32 a of the first sidewall18 is adjacent to the first end 24 of the base 16. The first side 38 aof the second sidewall 20 is engaged to the second side 30 of the base16 so that the first end 36 a of the second sidewall 20 is adjacent tothe first end 24 of the base 16. In the depicted embodiment, the firstsides 34 a, 38 a of the first and second sidewalls 18, 20 are integralwith the base 16. In another embodiment, the first sides 34 a, 38 a ofthe first and second sidewalls 18, 20 are fastened (e.g., welded, popriveted, bolted, screwed, glued, etc.) to the base 16.

The second sides 34 b, 38 b of the first and second sidewalls 18, 20 areengaged to the cover 22. In the depicted embodiment, the second sides 34b, 38 b include tabs 40 that are engaged to the cover 22 by fasteners(e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, welds, adhesive, etc.).

Each of the first and second sidewalls 18, 20 includes a mountingbracket 42. In the depicted embodiment, the mounting bracket 42 isgenerally L-shaped. The mounting bracket 42 includes a first end portion44 that mounts to one of the first and second sidewalls 18, 20 and asecond end portion 46 that is adapted for engagement with the rack 15.In the depicted embodiment, the first end portion 44 is engaged to thefirst and second sidewalls 18, 20 by a plurality of fasteners (e.g.,screws, bolts, rivets, welds, adhesive, etc.).

Each of the first and second sidewalls 18, 20 define a plurality ofholes 48. In the depicted embodiment, the holes 48 are disposed adjacentto the first sides 34 a, 38 a of the first and second sidewalls 18, 20.In the depicted embodiment, the holes 48 are generally rectangular inshape.

The base 16, the first and second sidewalls 18, 20 and the cover 22cooperatively define an interior region 50. The interior region 50 isadapted to receive the tray assembly 14.

The first ends 32 a, 36 a of the first and second sidewalls 18, 20 andthe first end 24 of the base 16 cooperatively define a first opening 52.The first opening 52 provides access to the interior region 50. In thedepicted embodiment, the first opening 52 is a front opening to theinterior region 50.

The second ends 32 b, 36 b of the first and second sidewalls 18, 20 andthe second end 26 of the base 16 cooperatively define a second opening54. The second opening 54 provides access to the interior region 50. Inthe depicted embodiment, the second opening 54 is oppositely disposedfrom the first opening 52. In the depicted embodiment, the secondopening 54 is a back opening.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the tray assembly 14 is shown. The trayassembly 14 includes a tray 60 (e.g., a shelf, a drawer, etc.) and acable spool assembly 62 rotatably mounted to the tray 60. The trayassembly 14 is adapted for insertion and removal from the chassis 12 asa unit without requiring the cable spool assembly 62 to be detached fromthe tray 60.

The tray 60 includes a base panel 64 having a first end portion 66(e.g., a front end portion), an oppositely disposed second end portion68 (e.g., a back end portion), a first side portion 70 that extends atleast partially between the first and second end portions 66, 68 and anoppositely disposed second side portion 72 that extends at leastpartially between the first and second end portions 66, 68. In thedepicted embodiment, the first and second side portions 70, 72 extendoutwardly from the base panel 64 in a generally perpendicular direction.

The tray 60 defines a lateral direction L and a front-to-back directionF-B. The lateral direction L extends between the first and second sideportions 70, 72. In the depicted embodiment, the lateral direction L isgenerally perpendicular to the first and second side portions 70, 72.The front-to-back direction F-B extends between the first and second endportions 66, 68. The front-to-back direction F-B is generallyperpendicular to the lateral direction L.

The tray 60 includes a plurality of resilient latches 74. In thedepicted embodiment, the tray 60 includes a first resilient latch 74 aengaged to the first side portion 70 and a second resilient latch 74 bengaged to the second side portion 72.

In the depicted embodiment, the resilient latch 74 includes a firstaxial end portion 76 and an oppositely disposed second axial end portion78. The first axial end portion 76 includes a first protrusion 80 whilethe second axial end portion 78 includes a second protrusion 82. Each ofthe first and second protrusions 80, 82 includes a lip 84 and an angledsurface 86. The first and second protrusions 80, 82 are oppositelydisposed on the resilient latch 74 so that the lip 84 of the firstprotrusion 80 faces the first end portion 66 of the base panel 64 whilethe lip 84 of the second protrusion 82 faces the second end portion 68of the base panel 64. The angled surface 86 of the first protrusion 80flares outwardly toward the first axial end portion 76 while the angledsurface 86 of the second protrusion 82 flares outwardly toward thesecond axial end portion 78.

The first resilient latch 74 a is secured to the first side portion 70by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, welds,adhesive, etc.). The first resilient latch 74 a is secured to the firstside portion 70 at a location disposed between the first and secondaxial end portions 76, 78 of the first resilient latch 74 a. In thedepicted embodiment, the first resilient latch 74 a is secured to thefirst side portion 70 at a location disposed between the first andsecond protrusions 80, 82.

The second resilient latch 74 b is secured to the second side portion 72by a plurality of fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, welds,adhesive, etc.). The second resilient latch 74 b is secured to thesecond side portion 72 at a location disposed between the first andsecond axial ends 76, 78 of the second resilient latch 74 b. In thedepicted embodiment, the second resilient latch 74 b is secured to thesecond side portion 72 at a location disposed between the first andsecond protrusions 80, 82 of the second resilient latch 74 b.

In the depicted embodiment, the first and second side portions 70, 72 ofthe base panel 64 include a plurality of openings 88 through which thefirst and second protrusions 80, 82 extend. Each of the first and secondaxial ends 76, 78 of the first and second resilient latches 74 a, 74 bis adapted to flex inwardly toward the tray 60. As the first axial ends76 of the first and second resilient latches 74 a, 74 b flex inwardly,the distance that the first protrusion 80 extends outwardly through theopenings 88 decreases.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-12, the tray 60 includes a plurality of bendradius protectors 90. A first plurality of bend radius protectors 90 ais disposed adjacent to the first end portion 66 of the base panel 64. Asecond plurality of bend radius protectors 90 b is disposed adjacent tothe second end 68 of the base panel 64.

In the depicted embodiment, the bend radius protector 90 includes a body92 having a first end surface 94 and an oppositely disposed second endsurface 96. The body 92 defines a passage 98 that extends through thefirst and second end surfaces 94, 96. In the depicted embodiment, thepassage 98 is generally oblong in shape. The passage 98 includes a firstarcuate edge 100 at the first end surface 94 and a second arcuate edge102 at the second end surface 96. Each of the first and second arcuateedges 100, 102 includes a radius that is greater than the minimum bendradius of a fiber optic cable that passes through passage 98 so as toreduce the risk of attenuation damage to the fiber optic cable.

The body 92 encloses the passage 98. A slot 104 is defined by a side 106of the body 92. The slot 104 extends through the side 106 of the body 92and into the passage 98. The slot 104 extends through the first andsecond end surface 94, 96. The slot 104 is adapted to allow a fiberoptic cable to be inserted laterally into the passage 98 rather thanthreading the fiber optic cable through the passage 98. In the depictedembodiment, the slot 104 is disposed at an angle relative to a centralaxis 108 that extends through the passage 98. The slot 104 angles as itextends from the first end surface 94 to the second end surface 96. Inone embodiment, the angle is an oblique angle.

The first and second pluralities of bend radius protectors 90 arefastened to the base panel 64 of the tray 60. In the depictedembodiments of FIGS. 9-12, the bend radius protectors 90 include a pin99 that is adapted for receipt in a hole in the base panel 64 of thetray 60 of the tray assembly 14. The pin 99 and the fastenercooperatively secure the bend radius protectors to the base panel 64.

In the depicted embodiments of FIG. 8, the first plurality of bendradius protectors 90 is disposed at the first end portion 66 of the basepanel 64 so that the central axes 108 that extend through the passages98 of the first plurality of bend radius protectors 90 are aligned. Inthe depicted embodiment, the central axes 108 of the first plurality ofbend radius protectors 90 are generally parallel to the lateraldirection L.

The second plurality of bend radius protectors 90 is disposed at thesecond end portion 68 of the base panel 64 so that the central axes 108of the bend radius protectors 90 are angled outwardly. In the depictedembodiment, the central axes 108 of the second plurality of bend radiusprotectors 90 are disposed at an oblique angle relative to the lateraldirection L and the front-to-back direction F-B.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the first end portion 66 of the tray 60 definesa recess 110. A tab 112 extends from the base panel 64 into the recess110 and separates the recess 110 into a first recess 110 a and a secondrecess 110 b. The tab 112 is generally coplanar with the base panel 64.The tab 112 includes a free end 114 that extends in a direction that isgenerally perpendicular to the base panel 64. In the depictedembodiment, the first and second recesses 110 a, 110 b are generallyequal in size.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 8, 13 and 14, the cable spool assembly 62 willbe described. The cable spool assembly 62 is adapted to rotate relativeto the tray 60. In the depicted embodiment, the cable spool assembly 62is rotatably engaged to the base panel 64 of the tray 60. The cablespool assembly 62 includes a stored position (shown in FIG. 7). In oneembodiment, the cable spool assembly 62 can be releasably secured in thestored position. The cable spool assembly 62 is adapted to be rotatedfrom the stored position to deploy fiber optic cable wrapped about thecable spool assembly 62.

The cable spool assembly 62 includes a hub 120, a first flange 122engaged to the hub 120 and a second flange 124 engaged to the hub 120opposite the first flange 122. The hub 120 includes a body 126 having afirst surface 128 and an oppositely disposed second surface 130. In oneembodiment, the distance between the first and second surfaces 128, 130is less than or equal to about 0.75 inches. In another embodiment, thedistance between the first and second surfaces 128, 130 is less than orequal to about 0.5 inches. In another embodiment, the distance betweenthe first and second surface 128, 130 is in a range of about 0.25 inchesto about 0.5 inches.

In the depicted embodiment, the body 126 of the hub 120 is generallyoval in shape. The oval shape of the body 126 of the hub 120 allows fora greater length of fiber optic cable to be coiled around the body 126for a given depth and width of the cable spool assembly 62. The body 126of the hub 120 includes a major dimension, as measured along a majoraxis of the body 126, and a minor dimension, as measured along a minoraxis. In the depicted embodiment, the major dimension is greater thanthe minor dimension. When in the stored position, the major axis isgenerally parallel to the lateral direction L. In another embodiment,the major axis is generally parallel to a plane that extends through thefirst opening 52 of the chassis 12 when the cable spool assembly 62 isin the stored position. While the body 126 of the hub 120 has beendescribed as being oval in shape, it will be understood that the scopeof the present disclosure is not limited to the body 126 of the hub 120being oval in shape. The body 126 of the hub 120 can have variousgeometric shapes (e.g., circular, obround, etc.).

In one embodiment, the depth of the cable spool assembly 62 is less thanor equal to about 16 inches. In another embodiment, the depth of thecable spool assembly 62 is less than or equal to about 15 inches. Inanother embodiment, the width of the cable spool assembly 62 is lessthan or equal to about 18 inches. In another embodiment, the width ofthe cable spool assembly 62 is less than or equal to about 17 inches. Inone embodiment, the body 126 is configured to receive at least about 500feet of 3 mm fiber optic cable. In another embodiment, the body 126 isconfigured to receive at least about 400 feet of 3 mm fiber optic cable.In another embodiment, the body 126 is configured to receive at leastabout 200 feet of 3 mm fiber optic cable. In another embodiment, thebody 126 is configured to receive at least about 250 feet of dual-zip 3mm fiber optic cable. In another embodiment, the body 126 is configuredto receive at least about 200 feet of dual-zip 3 mm fiber optic cable.In another embodiment, the body 126 is configured to receive at leastabout 100 feet of dual-zip 3 mm fiber optic cable.

The body 126 of the hub 120 includes a first longitudinal end 132, anoppositely disposed second longitudinal end 134, a first longitudinalside 136 that extends between the first and second longitudinal ends132, 134 and an oppositely disposed second longitudinal side 138 thatextends between the first and second longitudinal ends 132, 134. Thefirst and second longitudinal ends 132, 134 are generally arcuate inshape. In the depicted embodiment, the first and second longitudinalends 132, 134 are generally semi-circular in shape.

The hub 120 further includes a strain relief protrusion 140 that extendsoutwardly from the second surface 130 of the hub 120. In the depictedembodiment, the strain relief protrusion 140 is generally cylindrical inshape. The strain relief protrusion 140 has an outer diameter that isless than a distance between the first and second longitudinal sides136, 138.

The hub 120 defines a cable transition notch 142 disposed in the firstlongitudinal side 136 of the body 126. The cable transition notch 142extends inward into the body 126 from the first longitudinal end 132 tothe strain relief protrusion 140. In the depicted embodiment, the cabletransition notch 142 angles inwardly from the first longitudinal end 132of the body 126 to the strain relief protrusion 140. The cabletransition notch 142 is adapted to provide a location at which fiberoptic cable coiled about the body 126 of the hub 120 can pass to thestrain relief protrusion 140.

The hub 120 further defines a central bore 144. The central bore 144extends through the first and second surfaces 128, 130 and through thestrain relief protrusion 140.

The first flange 122 is engaged to the hub 120. In the subjectembodiment, the first flange 122 is fastened (e.g., screwed, bolted,riveted, welded, bonded, etc.) to the first surface 128 of the hub 120.The first flange 122 is generally planar and oval in shape. The firstflange 122 defines a bore 146 that is adapted for alignment with thecentral bore 144 of the hub 120 when the first flange 122 is engaged tothe hub 120.

The second flange 124 is engaged to the hub 120. In the depictedembodiment, the second flange 124 is fastened (e.g., screwed, bolted,riveted, welded, bonded, etc.) to the second surface 130 of the hub 120.

The second flange 124 includes a central opening 148 that extendsthrough the second flange 124. The central opening 148 is adapted toreceive the strain relief protrusion 140 of the hub 120 when the secondflange 124 is engaged to the hub 120 so that the strain reliefprotrusion 140 extends outwardly from the second flange 124 of the cablespool assembly 62. In the depicted embodiment, the central opening 148is oversized to allow the fiber optic cable which passes through thecable transition notch 142 to pass through the central opening 148.

The second flange 124 includes an outer surface 150. The outer surface150 includes a cable management area 152 and a termination area 154disposed adjacent to the cable management area 152.

The cable management area 152 includes a plurality of fan-out mountingbrackets 156. The fan-out mounting brackets 156 are spaced apart toreceive a fan-out 158 (shown in FIG. 8), which separates optical fibersof a fiber optic cable, between the fan-out mounting brackets 156. Thefan-out mounting brackets 156 extend outwardly from the outer surface150 of the second flange 124. In the depicted embodiment, the fan-outmounting brackets 156 extend outwardly in a generally perpendiculardirection. Each of the fan-out mounting brackets 156 includes at leastone receptacle 160. In the depicted embodiment, each of the fan-outmounting brackets 156 includes two receptacles 160.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 15-18, the fan-out 158 is retained in thefan-out mounting bracket 156 by a fan-out clip 162. The fan-out clip 162includes a cover plate 164 and a plurality of latches 166 that extendoutwardly from the cover plate 164.

In the depicted embodiment, the cover plate 164 is similar in shape tothe outline of the fan-out 158. The cover plate 164 includes a first end168 and an oppositely disposed second end 170. The second end 170includes a width that is less than a width of the first end 168 so thatthe cover plate 164 tapers from the first end 168 to the second end 170.

The latches 166 extend outwardly from the first end 168 of the coverplate 164 in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the coverplate 164. Each of the latches 166 includes a base end 172 and a freeend 174. The base end 172 is engage to the cover plate 164. The free end174 includes a latch protrusion 176 that is adapted for receipt in thereceptacle 160 of the fan-out mounting bracket 156.

An alignment pin 178 extends outwardly from the second end 170 of thecover plate 164 of the fan-out clip 162. In the depicted embodiment, thealignment pin 178 extends in a direction that is generally parallel tothe latches 166. The alignment pin 178 is sized to fit within a firstalignment opening 180 a in the fan-out 158. In one embodiment, the outersurface 150 of the second flange 124 includes a protrusion that isadapted to fit with a second alignment opening 180 b of the fan-out 158.

With the fan-out 158 disposed between the fan-out mounting brackets 156,the alignment pin 178 of the fan-out clip 162 is aligned with the firstalignment opening 180 a of the fan-out 158. The fan-out clip 162 ispressed down toward the outer surface 150 of the second flange 124 untilthe latch protrusion 176 engages the receptacle 160 of the fan-outmounting bracket 156.

In the depicted embodiment, the mounting brackets 156 are adapted tohold multiple fan-outs 158. Each of the fan-out mounting brackets 156includes one receptacle 160 per fan-out 158 that the fan-out mountingbrackets 156 can hold. In the depicted embodiment, the fan-out mountingbrackets 156 can hold two fan-outs 158. So, in the depicted embodiment,each of the fan-out mounting brackets 156 defines two receptacles 160.If only one fan-out 158 is disposed in the fan-out mounting brackets156, the fan-out clip 162 is pressed down until the latch protrusions176 engage the receptacles 160 closest to the outer surface 150 of thesecond flange 124. If two fan-outs 158 are disposed in the fan-outmounting brackets 156, the fan-out clip 162 is pressed down until thelatch protrusions 176 engage the receptacles 160 adjacent to thereceptacles 160 closest to the outer surface 150 of the second flange124.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, the cable management area 152 includes aplurality of bend radius protectors 182. The bend radius protectors 182are disposed on the outer surface 150 of the second flange 124. The bendradius protectors 182 are adapted to prevent damage to the opticalfibers that are routed from the fan-out 158 to the termination area 154.In the depicted embodiment, each of the bend radius protectors 182 isarcuate in shape and includes a retention projection 184 that extendsoutwardly from a convex surface 186 of the bend radius protector 182.

Referring now to FIGS. 7, 19, and 20, the termination area 154 includesan adapter module 190 (e.g., a termination unit, etc.). The adaptermodule 190 is adapted to rotate in unison with the cable spool assembly62 and to slide relative to the second flange 124. The adapter module190 is adapted to slide relative to the second flange 124 in a directionthat is generally parallel to the second flange 124 between a retractedposition (shown in FIG. 7) and an extended position (shown in FIG. 20).In the depicted embodiment, the adapter module 190 is adapted to slidein a direction that is generally parallel to the front-to-back directionF-B. The adapter module 190 includes a carrier 192 and a plurality ofadapters 194 disposed in the carrier 192.

In the depicted embodiment, the carrier 192 includes a first rail 196 aand a second rail 196 b. Each of the first and second rails 196 a, 196 bincludes a first axial end 198 and a second axial end 200. The carrier192 further includes a cross-support 202 that extends between the firstand second rails 196 a, 196 b at a location between the first and secondaxial ends 198, 200.

An adapter mounting bracket 204 is engaged with the first axial ends 198of the first and second rails 196 a, 196 b. The adapter mounting bracket204 defines a plurality of adapter openings 205 that is adapted toreceive the plurality of adapters 194. In the depicted embodiment, theadapter openings 205 are arranged in a line that is generallyperpendicular to the direction of slide movement of the adapter module190 so that the direction of slide movement of the adapter module 190 isgenerally perpendicular to the line of adapters 194 mounted in theadapter mounting bracket 204.

In one embodiment, the adapter mounting bracket 204 is adapted toreceive twenty-four adapters 194. In another embodiment, the adaptermounting bracket 204 is adapted to receive twelve adapters 194. Inanother embodiment, the adapter mounting bracket 204 is adapted toreceive forty-eight adapters 194.

The first and second rails 196 a, 196 b of the adapter module 190 areslidably engaged to the outer surface 150 of the second flange 124 by aplurality of guides 206. The guides 206 extend outwardly from the outersurface 150 and define channels 208 in which the first and second rails196 a, 196 b are slidably disposed.

The second flange 124 defines a plurality of mounting tabs 210 thatextend outwardly from a perimeter of the outer surface 150. The mountingtabs 210 are adapted to abut mounts 212 that extend outwardly from thefirst axial ends 198 of the first and second rails 196 a, 196 b when theadapter module 190 is in the retracted position. With the adapter module190 in the retracted position, fasteners 214 (e.g., screws, bolts,rivets, etc.) disposed through the mounts 212 can be engaged to themounting tabs 210 to retain the adapter module 190 in the retractedposition. In one embodiment, the fasteners 214 are captive thumb screws.

With the fasteners 214 disengaged from the mounting tabs 210, theadapter module 190 can be translated outwardly from the second flange124 of the cable spool assembly 62 in a direction that is generallyparallel to the front-to-back direction F-B to the extended position. Inone embodiment, the adapter module 190 has a range of travel of at leasttwo inches. In another embodiment, the adapter module 190 is adapted toslide a distance that provides access to inward facing ports of theadapters 194 when the tray assembly 14 is engaged to the chassis 12. Byproviding access to the inward facing ports of the adapters 194,connectorized ends of fiber optic cables that are plugged into theinward facing ports of the adapters 194 can be removed and cleaned whilethe tray assembly 14 is engaged to the chassis 12.

In the extended position, a catch 216 abuts the cross-support 202 andprevents the adapter module 190 from moving farther outward from thesecond flange 124. In the depicted embodiment, the catch 216 extendsoutwardly from a perimeter of the second flange 124.

The adapter module 190 includes a plurality of resilient latches 220that is engaged with the first axial ends 198 of the first and secondrails 196 a, 196 b. The resilient latches 220 are disposed between thefirst and second rails 196 a, 196 b and the mounting tabs 212. When theadapter module 190 is in the extended position (shown in FIG. 20), theresilient latches are adapted to engage the mounting tabs 212 to preventthe adapter module 190 from being moved inwardly toward the secondflange 124. The engagement of the resilient latches 220 and the mountingtabs 212 prevents the adapter module 190 from moving toward theretracted position as connectorized ends of fiber optic cables areinserted into outward facing ports of the adapters 194.

Referring now to FIGS. 8, 21, and 22, the installation of the cablespool assembly 62 to the tray 60 will be described. The cable spoolassembly 62 is rotatably engaged to the tray 60 by a bushing 222. In thedepicted embodiment, the bushing 222 provides the engagement between thecable spool assembly 62 and the base panel 64 of the tray 60.

The bushing 222 is generally cylindrical in shape. The bushing 222includes a first axial end 224 and a second axial end 226. The firstaxial end 224 of the bushing 222 includes an end surface 228. The endsurface 228 is adapted for abutment with the base panel 64 of the tray60. In one embodiment, the end surface 228 defines a hole 229 thatextends through the end surface 228. The hole 229 is adapted to receivea fastener 230 (e.g., screw, bolt, etc.) that is used to secure oranchor the bushing 222 to the tray 60. The end surface 228 includes apeg 231 that extends outwardly from the end surface 228. The peg 231 isadapted for receipt in an opening in the base panel 64 of the tray 60.The peg 231 is adapted to prevent the bushing 222 from rotating relativeto the tray 60.

The first axial end 224 has an outer diameter that is less than theinner diameter of the central bore 144 of the hub 120 so that the firstaxial end 224 of the bushing 222 can be inserted into the central bore144 of the hub 120. The second axial end 226 has an outer diameter thatis greater than the inner diameter of the central bore 144 of the hub120. With the first axial end 224 of the bushing 222 disposed in thecentral bore 144 of the hub 120 and the fastener securing the endsurface 228 to the base panel 64, the second axial end 226 abuts an endsurface of the strain relief protrusion 140 of the hub 120 and capturesthe cable spool assembly 62 between the base panel 64 of the tray 60 andthe second axial end 226 of the bushing 222. As the bushing 222 isgenerally cylindrical in shape, the cable spool assembly 62 can rotateabout the bushing 222. In one embodiment, the bushing 222 is keyed tothe base panel 64 so that the bushing 222 is stationary relative to thetray 60.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 14, the routing of a fiber optic cable 232in the tray assembly 14 will be described. The fiber optic cable 232includes a first end and a second end. The fiber optic cable 232 iscoiled about the body 126 of the hub 120 of the cable spool assembly 62between the first and second flanges 122, 124.

The first end of the fiber optic cable 232 is disposed closest to thehub 120. A portion of the first end passes through the cable transitionnotch 142 in the hub 120 and through the central opening 148 of thesecond flange 124. The portion of the first end of the fiber optic cable232 is coiled at least once around the strain relief protrusion 140 ofthe hub 120. In one embodiment, the first end is anchored to the secondflange 124 (e.g., with a cable tie) after being wrapped at least oncearound the strain relief protrusion 140. The first end is routed fromthe strain relief protrusion 140 to the fan-out 158. Optical fibers 233are separated from the fiber optic cable 232 at the fan-out 158. Each ofthe optical fibers 233 includes a connectorized end. The connectorizedends of the optical fibers 233 are routed to the adapters 194 andengaged to inward facing ports of the adapters 194.

In one embodiment, the second end of the fiber optic cable 232 has amulti-fiber connector 353 c. The second end can be routed outside of thetray assembly 14 at a location adjacent to the first end portion 66 ofthe base panel 64 of the tray 60 or at an opposite location adjacent tothe second end portion 68 of the base panel 64 of the tray 60. Thesecond end is routed through the passage 98 of any one of the bendradius protectors 90 disposed on the tray 60.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the insertion of the tray assembly 14 into thechassis 12 will be described. The tray assembly 14 is adapted forinsertion into the chassis 12 through either the first opening 52 or thesecond opening 54 of the chassis 12.

To insert the tray assembly 14 into the first opening 52 of the chassis12, the second axial ends 78 of the first and second resilient latches74 a, 74 b of the tray assembly 14 are flexed inwardly. The second endportion 68 of the base panel 64 of the tray 60 is inserted through thefirst opening 52 of the chassis 12. The tray assembly 14 is then pushedinto the interior region 50 of the chassis 12 until the first and secondprotrusions 80, 82 on each of the first and second resilient latches 74a, 74 b are engaged in the holes 48 of the first and second sidewalls18, 20 of the chassis 12. In the depicted embodiment, the first andsecond protrusions 80, 82 on each of the first and second resilientlatches 74 a, 74 b provide four-point contact between the tray assembly14 and the chassis 12.

The first protrusions 80 of the first and second resilient latches 74 a,74 b prevent the tray assembly 14 from being removed through the firstopening 52 of the chassis 12 by abutting the holes 48 in the chassis 12but allow the tray assembly to be removed through the second opening 54of the chassis 12. The second protrusions 82 of the first and secondresilient latches 74 a, 74 b prevent the tray assembly 14 from beingremoved through the second opening 54 of the chassis 12 but allow thetray assembly 14 to be removed through the first opening 52 of thechassis 12.

To remove the tray assembly 14 from the first opening 52 of the chassis12, the first axial end portions 76 of the resilient latches 74 a, 74 bof the tray assembly 14 are flexed inwardly until the lips 84 of thefirst protrusions 80 are no longer disposed in the holes 48 of thechassis 12. With the first axial end portions 76 of the resilientlatches 74 a, 74 b of the tray assembly 14 flexed inwardly, the trayassembly 14 is pulled out of the first opening 52 of the chassis 12. Asthe tray assembly 14 is pulled out of first opening 52, the angledsurfaces 86 of the second protrusions 82 contact an edge of the hole 48that causes the second axial end portions 78 of the resilient latches 74a, 74 b to flex inwardly.

To insert the tray assembly 14 into the second opening 54 (shown in FIG.4) of the chassis 12, the first axial end portions 76 of the first andsecond resilient latches 74 a, 74 b of the tray assembly 14 are flexedinwardly. The first end portion 66 of the base panel 64 of the tray 60is inserted through the second opening 54 of the chassis 12. The trayassembly 14 is pushed into the interior region 50 of the chassis 12until the first and second protrusion of the first and second resilientlatches are engaged in the holes 48 of the first and second sidewalls18, 20 of the chassis 12.

To remove the tray assembly 14 from the second opening 54 of the chassis12, the second axial end portions 78 of the resilient latches 74 a, 74 bof the tray assembly 14 are flexed inwardly until the lips 84 of thesecond protrusions 82 are no longer disposed in the holes 48 of thechassis 12. With the second axial end portions 78 of the resilientlatches 74 a, 74 b of the tray assembly 14 flexed inwardly, the trayassembly 14 is pulled out of the second opening 54 of the chassis 12. Asthe tray assembly 14 is pulled out of first opening 52, the angledsurfaces 86 of the first protrusions 80 contact an edge of the hole 48that causes the first axial end portions 76 of the resilient latches 74a, 74 b to flex inwardly.

With the tray assembly 14 installed in the chassis 12, the fiber opticcable 232 can be deployed by pulling the second end of the fiber opticcable 232 through one of the first and second openings 52, 54 of thechassis 12. As the fiber optic cable 232 is pulled, the cable spoolassembly 62 rotates about the bushing 222. As the cable spool assembly62 rotates, the adapter module 190 rotates in unison. Since the adaptermodule 190 rotates in unison with the cable spool assembly 62, theconnectorized ends of the first end of the fiber optic cable 232 can beengaged in the inwardly facing ports of the adapters 194. The second endof the fiber optic cable 232 is pulled until a desired length of fiberoptic cable 232 has been deployed.

Referring now to FIGS. 23 and 24, a locking mechanism 240 is shown. Thelocking mechanism 240 is adapted to prevent the cable spool assembly 62from rotating relative to the tray 60. In one embodiment, the lockingmechanism 240 provides an electrical connection between the tray 60 andthe cable spool assembly 62 so as to serve as a ground. A separateground is provided between the tray 60 and the chassis 12.

The locking mechanism 240 includes an arm 242 that pivots about alocation on the tray 60. In the depicted embodiment, the arm 242 pivotsabout a location disposed at the second end portion 68 of the base panel64 of the tray 60.

When a desired length of fiber optic cable 232 has been deployed, thearm 242 is pivoted toward the second flange 124 of the cable spoolassembly 62. The second flange 124 includes a lock mount 244 (best shownin FIG. 13) that extends outwardly from the outer surface 150 of thesecond flange 124 and is disposed at an outer perimeter of the secondflange 124. The arm 242 of the locking mechanism 240 is pivoted until afastener 246 (e.g., thumbscrew) that extends through the arm 242 isaligned with an opening 248 in the lock mount 244. The fastener 246 isthen engaged with the opening 248 to secure the cable spool assembly 62in position relative to the tray 60.

Referring now to FIGS. 25-27, an alternate embodiment of atelecommunications assembly 300 is shown. The telecommunicationsassembly 300 includes a chassis 302 and multiple tray assemblies 14.

The chassis 302 is similar to the chassis 12 previously described exceptthat the chassis 302 is adapted to receive multiple tray assemblies 14.Therefore, it will be understood that the features described with regardto the chassis 12 may be incorporated in the chassis 302.

The chassis 302 includes a base wall 304, a first sidewall 306 thatextends outwardly from the base wall 304, an oppositely disposed secondsidewall 308 and a cover 310. The base wall 304, the first and secondsidewalls 306, 308 and the cover 310 cooperatively define an interiorregion 312 that is adapted to receive the plurality of tray assemblies14. The base wall 304, the first and second sidewalls 306, 308 and thecover 310 further define a first opening 314 to the interior region 312and an oppositely disposed second opening 316 to the interior region312.

The first and second sidewalls 306, 308 of the chassis 302 include aplurality of first tray guides 318 (best shown in FIG. 27). The firsttray guides 318 extend into the interior region 312 of the chassis 302.The first tray guides 318 are adapted to abut the base panel 64 of thetray assembly 14 and to support the tray assembly 14 in the interiorregion 312 of the chassis 302.

The first and second sidewalls 306, 308 of the chassis 302 furtherinclude a plurality of second tray guides 319. The second tray guides319 define a channel through which the first and second side portions70, 72 of the base panel 64 of the tray assembly 14 pass.

The tray assemblies 14 can be installed into the chassis 302 in a mannerthat is similar to the installation of the tray assembly 14 in thechassis 12, which was previously described. In the depicted embodiment,the tray assemblies 14 are disposed in a vertical orientation in theinterior region 312 of the chassis 302.

In one embodiment, the telecommunications assembly 300 includes a frontcover plate 320. The front cover plate 320 is engaged to the base wall304 by a hinge 322. In the depicted embodiment, the hinge 322 isintegral with a first end 323 of the base wall 304. The hinge 322includes a first arm 324 having a first curved portion 326 that opens ina first direction and a second arm 327 having a second curved portion328 that opens in an opposite second direction. The first and secondcurved portions 326, 328 are adapted to capture a bar 330 of the frontcover plate 320 that is disposed between an opening 332 through thefront cover plate 320 and an adjacent edge 334 of the front cover plate320. In the depicted embodiment, the front cover plate 320 is adapted topivot between an open position and a closed position (shown in FIG. 23).

Referring now to FIGS. 28 and 29, a cable assembly 350 is shown. Thecable assembly 350 includes the tray assembly 14 mounted to a cablespool 352. The cable assembly 350 is adapted to provide a length offiber optic cable 353 that is greater than the length that can fitaround the cable spool assembly 62 of the tray assembly 14. In thedepicted embodiment, the cable spool 352 can hold a length of the fiberoptic cable 353 that is greater than or equal to 500 feet of 3 mm fiberoptic cable. In another embodiment, the cable spool 352 can hold alength of the fiber optic cable 353 that is greater than or equal to1,000 feet of 3 mm fiber optic cable.

The cable spool 352, including a drum 354 and/or flanges 356, 358, canbe manufactured of a plastic material, a paper board material (e.g.,cardboard or like material) or a recycled material. In one embodiment,the cable spool 352 is recyclable or disposable after use.

The cable spool 352 includes the drum 354, the first flange 356, and thesecond flange 358. The drum 354 is adapted to receive the fiber opticcable 353 coiled around the drum 354. The drum 354 includes a firstaxial end 360 and an oppositely disposed second axial end 362. The firstflange 356 is engaged to the first axial end 360 of the drum 354. Thesecond flange 358 is engaged to the second axial end 362 of the drum354.

The tray assembly 14 is mounted to an outer surface 364 of the firstflange 356 of the cable spool 352. In one embodiment, the tray assembly14 is tied down to the first flange 356 so that the base panel 64 of thetray 60 abuts the outer surface 364 of the first flange 356.

To assemble the cable assembly 350, a first end of a length of the fiberoptic cable 353 is coiled around the cable spool assembly 62 of the trayassembly 14. The fiber optic cable 353 is routed from the cable spoolassembly 62 of the tray assembly 14 through one of the bend radiusprotectors 90 and through a notch 366 in the first flange 356 and aroundthe drum 354. The notch 366 in the first flange 356 extends inwardlyfrom an outer edge of the first flange 356 to the drum 354. The notch366 allows the fiber optic cable 353 to pass to the drum 354 of thecable spool 352 from an off-drum location.

To deploy the fiber optic cable 353 from the cable assembly 350, thecable assembly 350 is positioned in front of or behind atelecommunications mount (e.g., rack 15, frame, etc.), which is adaptedto receive the telecommunications assembly 10, 300, depending on whetherthe telecommunications assembly 10, 300 is to installed from the frontor back of the telecommunications mount. The fiber optic cable 353 isdeployed from the cable spool 352 of the cable assembly 350. In oneembodiment, the cable spool 352 with tray assembly 14 attached theretois mounted to a spindle/rotation structure 370 (see FIG. 35). The fiberoptic cable 353 is pulled from the cable spool 352, which causesrotation of the cable spool 352 and concurrent rotation of the trayassembly 14 carried by the cable spool 352.

After the fiber optic cable 353 is paid out from the cable spool 352,the cable spool assembly 62 of the tray assembly 14 is rotated relativeto the tray 60 and the cable spool 352 to pay off additional fiber opticcable 353 disposed about the cable spool assembly 62. With the fiberoptic cable 353 paid out or partially paid out, the multi-fiberconnector 353 c of the second end of the fiber optic cable 353 isplugged into a component.

The cable spool 352 is then removed from the tray assembly 14. In oneembodiment, the cable spool 352 is discarded (e.g., disposed of orrecycled). The tray assembly 14 is moved toward the rack 15 (shown inFIG. 1). As the tray assembly 14 is moved toward the rack 15, the cablespool assembly 62 rotates relative to the tray 60 to provide additionallength of the fiber optic cable 353. The tray assembly 14 is theninstalled into the chassis 12, 302, which, in one embodiment, ispre-mounted in the rack 15. If it is desired to route the fiber opticcable 353 out the front of the chassis 12 or the front of the rack 15,the tray assembly 14 is inserted into the rack 15 from the front. If itis desired to route the fiber optic cable 353 out the back of thechassis 12 or the back of the rack 15, the tray assembly 14 is insertedinto the rack 15 from the back. With the tray assembly 14 engaged to thechassis 12, the telecommunications assembly 10, 300 is installed in thetelecommunications mount.

The cable assembly 350 is depicted at FIGS. 28 and 29 including thecable spool 352. In other embodiments, other spool assemblies may beused. For example, the spool assemblies disclosed at U.S. provisionalpatent application Ser. No. 61/370,070, filed Aug. 2, 2010, herebyincorporated by reference in its entirety, can be included in certainembodiments. In still other embodiments, a cable spool 352′, describedbelow, can be included.

Turning now to FIGS. 30-34, a tray assembly 14′ of the presentdisclosure is illustrated. The tray assembly 14′ is similar to the trayassembly 14, disclosed above. The tray assembly 14′ includes a tray 60′(e.g., a shelf, a drawer, etc.) and a cable spool assembly 62′ rotatablymounted to the tray 60′. The tray 60′ is similar to the tray 60, and thecable spool assembly 62′ is similar to the cable spool assembly 62.Similar to the tray assembly 14, the tray assembly 14′ is adapted forinsertion and removal from the chassis 12 and 302 as a unit, withoutrequiring the cable spool assembly 62′ to be detached from the tray 60′.

The tray 60′ includes a base panel 64′ having a first end portion 66′(e.g., a front end portion), an oppositely disposed second end portion68′ (e.g., a back end portion), a first side portion 70′ that extends atleast partially between the first and second end portions 66′, 68′ andan oppositely disposed second side portion 72′ that extends at leastpartially between the first and second end portions 66′, 68′. In thedepicted embodiment, the first and second side portions 70′, 72′ extendoutwardly from the base panel 64′ in a generally perpendiculardirection.

Referring now to FIG. 31, the first end portion 66′ of the tray 60′defines a recess 110′. A tab 112′ extends from the base panel 64′ intothe recess 110′ and separates the recess 110′ into a first recess 110 a′and a second recess 110 b′. The tab 112′ is generally coplanar with thebase panel 64′. The tab 112′ includes a free end 114′ that extends in adirection that is generally perpendicular to the base panel 64′. In thedepicted embodiment, the first and second recesses 110 a′, 110 b′ aregenerally equal in size.

Similar to the cable spool assembly 62, the cable spool assembly 62′ isadapted to rotate relative to the tray 60′. In the depicted embodiment,the cable spool assembly 62′ is rotatably engaged to the base panel 64′of the tray 60′. The cable spool assembly 62′ includes a stored position(shown in FIGS. 30-31). In one embodiment, the cable spool assembly 62′can be releasably secured in the stored position. The cable spoolassembly 62′ is adapted to be rotated from the stored position to deployfiber optic cable wrapped about the cable spool assembly 62′.

The cable spool assembly 62′ can include the hub 120, a first flange122′ engaged to the hub 120 and a second flange 124′ engaged to the hub120 opposite the first flange 122′. In the subject embodiment, the firstflange 122′ is fastened (e.g., screwed, bolted, riveted, welded, bonded,etc.) to the first surface 128 of the hub 120. The first flange 122′ isgenerally planar and oval in shape. In the depicted embodiment, thesecond flange 124′ is fastened (e.g., screwed, bolted, riveted, welded,bonded, etc.) to the second surface 130 of the hub 120.

The second flange 124′ includes a central opening 148′ that extendsthrough the second flange 124′. The central opening 148′ is adapted toreceive the strain relief protrusion 140 of the hub 120 when the secondflange 124′ is engaged to the hub 120 so that the strain reliefprotrusion 140 extends outwardly from the second flange 124′ of thecable spool assembly 62′. In the depicted embodiment, the centralopening 148′ is oversized to allow the fiber optic cable which passesthrough the cable transition notch 142 to pass through the centralopening 148′.

The second flange 124′ includes an outer surface 150′. The outer surface150′ includes a cable management area 152′ and a termination area 154′disposed adjacent to the cable management area 152′.

The cable management area 152′ includes a plurality of fan-out mountingfeatures 156′. The fan-out mounting features 156′ are spaced apart toreceive one or more fan-outs 158′, similar to the fan-out 158, whichseparates optical fibers of a fiber optic cable. As depicted, thefan-out mounting features 156′ extend outwardly from the outer surface150′ of the second flange 124′. In the depicted embodiment, the fan-outmounting features 156′ extend outwardly in a generally perpendiculardirection. As depicted, the fan-out mounting features 156′ can include apost and a fastening arrangement (e.g., a stud and a nut). Referring nowto FIG. 31, the fan-out 158′ is retained by the fan-out mounting feature156′ and a nut. The fan-out 158′ includes at least one mounting hole. Asdepicted, the fan-out 158′ includes two mounting holes with one mountinghole mounted over the post and the other mounting hole mounted over thestud of the mounting feature 156′.

Referring now to FIGS. 30-34, the termination area 154′ includes anadapter module 190′ (e.g., a termination unit, etc.). The adapter module190′ is adapted to rotate in unison with the cable spool assembly 62′and to slide relative to the second flange 124′. The adapter module 190′is adapted to slide relative to the second flange 124′ in a directionthat is generally parallel to the second flange 124′ between a retractedposition (shown in FIGS. 30-32) and an extended position (similar tothat shown in FIG. 20). In the depicted embodiment, the adapter module190′ is adapted to slide in a direction that is generally parallel to afront-to-back direction F-B′. In certain embodiments, the cable spoolassembly 62′ will not be able to rotate 360 degrees (i.e., rotatethrough a full revolution) with the adapter module 190′ in the extendedposition. With the adapter module 190′ in the extended position, theadapter module 190′, and particularly corners of the adapter module190′, may interfere with the first and second side portions 70′, 72′ ofthe base panel 64′ and/or interfere with the chassis 12.

As illustrated at FIGS. 32-34, the adapter module 190′ includes acarrier 192′ and a plurality of adapters 194 disposed in the carrier192′. In the depicted embodiment, the carrier 192′ includes a first rail196 a′ and a second rail 196 b′. Each of the first and second rails 196a′, 196 b′ includes a first axial end 198′ and a second axial end 200′.The carrier 192′ further includes a cross-support 202′ that extendsbetween the first and second rails 196 a′, 196 b′ at a location betweenthe first and second axial ends 198′, 200′.

The first and second rails 196 a′, 196 b′ of the carrier 192′ eachinclude a slot 197 that extends in the front-to-back direction F-B′.Fasteners 199 attach the adapter module 190′ via the slots 197 to thecable spool assembly 62′. As depicted, the fasteners 199 attach thecarrier 192′ to the second flange 124′ at fastening holes in the secondflange 124′. The fasteners 199 allow the adapter module 190′ to travelbetween the retracted position and the extended position with thefasteners 199 loosened and can provide stops at the retracted positionand the extended position. The adapter module 190′ may be secured at theretracted position, the extended position, or an intermediate positionby tightening the fasteners 199.

As illustrated at FIG. 33, an attachment location 201 can be included atthe second axial end 200′ of either or both of the first and secondrails 196 a′, 196 b′ of the carrier 192′. As depicted at FIGS. 30 and33, the attachment location 201 is a stud at the second axial end 200′of the second rail 196 b′. The attachment location 201 is attached to afirst end 203 a of a tether 203. A second end 203 b of the tether 203 isattached to the second flange 124′ by one of the fasteners 199. Asdepicted, the second end 203 b is attached by one of the fasteners 199closest to an adapter mounting bracket 204′ of the carrier 192′.

The tether 203 provides electrical grounding to the adapter module 190′from the cable spool assembly 62′. The cable spool assembly 62′ can begrounded to the tray 60′ by the locking mechanism 240 in a mannersimilar to the grounding of the cable spool assembly 62 to the tray 60,described above. A separate ground can be provided between the tray 60′and the chassis 12, the chassis 12 and the rack 15, and/or the tray 60′and the rack 15. Thus, the adapter module 190′, the cable spool assembly62′, the tray 60′, the chassis 12, and the rack 15 may all beelectrically connected.

The adapter mounting bracket 204′ is engaged with the first axial ends198′ of the first and second rails 196 a′, 196 b′. The adapter mountingbracket 204′ defines a plurality of adapter openings 205′ that isadapted to receive the plurality of adapters 194. In the depictedembodiment, the adapter openings 205′ are arranged in a line that isgenerally perpendicular to the direction of slide movement of theadapter module 190′ so that the direction of slide movement of theadapter module 190′ is generally perpendicular to the line of adapters194 mounted in the adapter mounting bracket 204′.

In one embodiment, the adapter mounting bracket 204′ is adapted toreceive twenty-four adapters 194. In another embodiment, the adaptermounting bracket 204′ is adapted to receive twelve adapters 194. Inanother embodiment, the adapter mounting bracket 204′ is adapted toreceive forty-eight adapters 194.

The second flange 124′ defines a plurality of mounting tabs 210′ (seeFIG. 30) that extend outwardly from a perimeter of the outer surface150′. The mounting tabs 210′ are adapted to abut mounts 212′ that extendoutwardly from the first axial ends 198′ of the first and second rails196 a′, 196 b′ when the adapter module 190′ is in the retractedposition. With the adapter module 190′ in the retracted position,fasteners 214′ (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, thumb screws, etc.)disposed through the mounts 212′ can be engaged to the mounting tabs210′ to retain the adapter module 190′ in the retracted position. In thedepicted embodiment, the fasteners 214′ are captive thumb screws.

With the fasteners 214′ disengaged from the mounting tabs 210′, theadapter module 190′ can be translated outwardly from the second flange124′ of the cable spool assembly 62′ in a direction that is generallyparallel to the front-to-back direction F-B′ to the extended position.In one embodiment, the adapter module 190′ has a range of travel of atleast two inches. In another embodiment, the adapter module 190′ isadapted to slide a distance that provides access to inward facing portsof the adapters 194 when the tray assembly 14′ is engaged to the chassis12. By providing access to the inward facing ports of the adapters 194,connectorized ends of fiber optic cables that are plugged into theinward facing ports of the adapters 194 can be removed and cleaned whilethe tray assembly 14′ is engaged to the chassis 12.

In the extended position, a catch 216′ abuts the cross-support 202′ andprevents the adapter module 190′ from moving farther outward from thesecond flange 124′. As depicted, the catch 216′ extends outwardly from aperimeter of the second flange 124′.

As depicted at FIGS. 33 and 34, guiding tabs 207 are provided on theadapter module 190′ to facilitate the rotation of the cable spoolassembly 62′ within and/or about the chassis 12. In particular, thedepicted embodiment includes a pair of the guiding tabs 207 at oppositeends of the adapter mounting bracket 204′. The guiding tabs 207 areangled downwardly and positioned adjacent corners 209 of the cable spoolassembly 62′. As the cable spool assembly 62′ rotates within the chassis12, the guiding tabs 207 prevent or reduce the potential of the corners209 of the cable spool assembly 62′ getting snagged and/or caught onvarious features, including the openings 52, 54, of the chassis 12. Theguiding tabs 207 may be functional in both rotational directions of thecable spool assembly 62′.

As depicted at FIGS. 30 and 31, a cover 250 can be provided over thecable management area 152′. The cover 250 can cover or partially coverthe optical fibers 233, the fan-outs 158′, and other components andfeatures in the cable management area 152′. By covering at least aportion of the cable management area 152′, the optical fibers 233 areprevented or held back from becoming entangled as the tray assembly 14′is rotated within the chassis 12, 302 or inserted into the chassis 12,302. By covering at least a portion of the cable management area 152′,the fan-outs 158′ and other components and features in the cablemanagement area 152′ are prevented from bumping against features andcomponents of the chassis 12, 302 as the tray assembly 14′ is rotatedwithin the chassis 12, 302 or inserted into the chassis 12, 302. Thecover 250 can serve as a guide to the optical fibers 233 and otheroptical fiber cables within and near the cable management area 152′. Theoptical fibers 233 and other optical fiber cables within and near thecable management area 152′ can be sandwiched between the cover 250 andthe outer surface 150′ of the second flange 124′. An edge 266 of thecover 250 may be spaced from the adapter module 190′ to allow connectors252 of fiber optic cables 254 to be inserted and withdrawn from theadapter module 190′ without removing the cover 250. The cover 250 andthe adapter module 190′ may effectively keep uncovered portions 256 ofthe fiber optic cables 254 in position and prevent their tangling.

The cover 250 can include a clearance relief 258 (e.g., a hole, arecess, a slot) around or near the hub 120. The cover 250 can include aclearance relief 260 (e.g., a hole, a recess, a slot) around or near thefan-outs 158′. The cover 250 can include a plurality of fastener holes262 for attaching the cover 250 to the second flange 124′. The secondflange 124′ can include standoffs 264 for attaching the cover 250 to thesecond flange 124′. The standoffs 264 can space the cover 250 from thesecond flange 124′. The standoffs 264 can prevent the cover 250 fromclamping the optical fibers 233, 254, the fan-outs 158′, and othercomponents and features in the cable management area 152′ against theouter surface 150′ of the second flange 124′. The standoffs 264 can bethreaded standoffs. Fasteners (not shown) can be inserted through thefasteners holes 262 and into the standoffs 264 and thereby attach thecover 250 to the second flange 124′.

As depicted at FIGS. 30-32, a panel 268 can be provided on the adaptermodule 190′. FIGS. 30 and 31 show the panel 268 assembled and brokenaway to reveal the fiber optic cable 232 within the cable spool assembly62′. FIG. 32 shows the panel 268 separated from the adapter module 190′.The panel 268 can serve as a place to affix labels 270 that relate tothe adapter module 190′. For example, indices that relate to or numberindividual fiber optic adapters 194 can be appropriately positioned onthe panel 268. The labels 270 can be pre-applied to or stamped on thepanel 268 at a factory and/or can be applied by a service technician(e.g. as stickers). As depicted, the panel 268 is positioned below thefiber optic adapters 194 and covers a front portion of the cable spoolassembly 62′ and thereby covers a front portion of the fiber optic cable232 that is within the cable spool assembly 62′. The panel 268 canthereby give the adapter module 190′ and the tray assembly 14′ a cleanerappearance by hiding or obscuring the fiber optic cable 232. The panel268 can also protect the fiber optic cable 232.

As depicted, the panel 268 includes a first tab 272 at a first endportion 274 and a second tab 276 at a second end portion 278. Each ofthe tabs 272, 276 includes a fastening feature 280 (e.g., a hole). Theadapter module 190′ includes a first tab 282 with a fastening feature284 (e.g., a hole) and also includes a second tab 286 with a fasteningfeature 288 (e.g., a hole). In the depicted embodiment, a push-infastener 290 is mounted in each of the holes 280 of the tabs 272, 276.The panel 268 can be removably mounted to the adapter module 190′ byinserting the push-in fasteners 290 of each of the tabs 272, 276 intotheir corresponding holes 284, 288. The push-in fasteners 290 may snapin and snap out of their corresponding holes 284, 288. The push-infasteners 290 may be retained by the hole 280.

Referring now to FIGS. 35-37, a cable assembly 350′ is shown. The cableassembly 350′ includes the tray assembly 14, 14′, or 14″ mounted to afirst cable spool 352 ₁′. The first cable spool 352 ₁′ may be mounted toa second cable spool 352 ₂′. Additional cable spools 352′ can be addedin like manner, as needed. As with the similar cable assembly 350,described above, the cable assembly 350′ is adapted to provide a lengthof fiber optic cable 353′ that is greater than the length that can fitaround the cable spool assembly 62, 62′ of the tray assembly 14, 14′,14″. In the depicted embodiment, the cable spool 352′ can hold a lengthof the fiber optic cable 353′ that is generally equal to the lengths orrange of lengths held by the cable spool 352, described above.

The cable spool 352′ can be manufactured of materials similar to thematerials used in the cable spool 352, described above. The cable spool352′ includes a drum 354′, a first flange 356′, and a second flange358′. The flanges 356′, 358′ can be made of cardboard. The drum 354′,the first flange 356′, and the second flange 358′ are generallyrespectively similar in form and function to the drum 354, the firstflange 356, and the second flange 358, described above. The secondflange 358′ of the first cable spool 352 ₁′ may attach to the firstflange 356′ of the second cable spool 352 ₂′.

The tray assembly 14, 14′, 14″ and the first cable spool 352 ₁′ of thecable assembly 350′ are assembled similarly to the tray assembly 14 andthe cable spool 352 of the cable assembly 350, described above.

The flanges 356′, 358′ each include a notch 366′ similar to the notch366, described above. The notch 366′ allows the fiber optic cable 353′to pass from the drum 354 ₁′ to the drum 354 ₂′. As the fiber opticcable 353′ passes from the drum 354 ₁′ to the drum 354 ₂′, a transitionin cable radius is made. In particular, adjacent the transition, thecable radius on the drum 354 ₁′ is at or near a large radius or amaximum radius, and the cable radius on the drum 354 ₂′ is at or near asmall radius or a minimum radius. Guiding features 371 of the notch 366′keep the transition snag-free.

To deploy the fiber optic cable 353′ from the cable assembly 350′, thecable assembly 350′ can be positioned relative to the telecommunicationsmount similar to the positioning of the cable assembly 350, describedabove. The fiber optic cable 353′ is first paid out from the secondcable spool 352 ₂′ (or the last cable spool 352′). The fiber optic cable353′ is pulled from the cable spool 352 ₂′, which causes rotation of thecable assembly 350′, including the tray assembly 14, 14′, 14″, carriedby the cable spool 352 ₁′. When the second cable spool 352 ₂′ is emptyof cable 353′, the cable 353′ corresponding to the transition is paidout, over/through the guiding features 371, followed by the cable 353′wrapped about the first cable spool 352 ₁′. The details of paying outthe cable 353′ from the first cable spool 352 ₁′ and the cable spoolassembly 62, 62′ are similar to the paying out of cable 353 from thecable spool 352 and the cable spool assembly 62, described above.

To facilitate unwinding and winding of the cable 353′, thespindle/rotation structure 370 may be employed (see FIG. 35). Thespindle structure 370 includes a base 372 and a rotation mount 374. Asdepicted, the rotation mount 374 is a shaft. The cable assembly 350′preferably includes a bushing or bearing 376 adapted to rotatably mountover the shaft 374. As depicted, the bearing 376 is positioned on thesecond flange 358′. As depicted, the spindle structure 370 is positionedopposite the tray assembly 14, 14′, 14″ about the cable assembly 350′.In other embodiments, the spindle structure 370 is positioned adjacentthe tray assembly 14, 14′, 14″. The rotation mount 374 can mount to thebushing 222 of the tray assembly 14, 14′, 14″ (e.g., within an insidediameter of the bushing 222, as shown at FIG. 22). To reduce rotationalfriction, anti-friction features 378 can be included on the secondflange 358′. The anti-friction features 378 may be made from Teflon® orother suitable material with a sufficiently low coefficient of friction.As depicted, the anti-friction features 378 may ride/glide on the base372. The anti-friction features 378 may provide stability to the cableassembly 350′. The anti-friction features 378 may act as thrustbushings. Other thrust bushings (e.g. flange type) can also oralternatively be used.

The spindle/rotation structure 370 may be set on a floor, a cabinet, orother suitable structure when unwinding or winding the cable 353′ fromthe cable spool 352′. The spindle/rotation structure 370 may be reused.

The cable spools 352′ are removed from the tray assembly 14, 14′, 14″after the cable 353′ has been removed from them. The cable spools 352′and the tray assembly 14, 14′, 14″ are respectively disposed of andinstalled similar to the cable spool 352 and the tray assembly 14,discussed above.

The cable assembly 350′ provides advantages in stocking, shipping,storing, and deploying the fiber optic cable 353′. In particular, thecable assembly 350′ can be factory pre-built and stocked in severaldiscrete configurations of varying length. The pre-building can includeapplying terminations 353 c (e.g., connectors) to the fiber optic cable353′. Each of the pre-built cable assemblies 350′ can be deployed to arange of installations with a range of length requirements for the fiberoptic cable 353′. In general, the minimum cable length installation thatthe cable assembly 350′ could service would include a deployed cablelength about equal to the length of the cable 353′ initially wound onthe cable spool(s) 352′. In general, the maximum cable lengthinstallation that the cable assembly 350′ could service would include adeployed cable length about equal to the length of the cable 353′initially wound on the cable spool(s) 352′ plus the length of the cable353′ initially wound on the cable spool assembly 62, 62′. Installationlengths between the minimum and the maximum cable length installationcould be serviced without applying the fiber optic terminations 353 c inthe field. As a range of cable installation lengths can be serviced by asingle cable assembly 350′ part number, the cable assembly 350′ can befactory pre-built. A few discrete cable assemblies 350′ of differentdeployed cable length ranges can therefor service a wide variety ofinstallations.

The cable assembly 350′ allows post-installation flexibility. Inparticular, if a telecommunications component needs to be moved or thedeployed cable 353′ of the cable assembly 350′ needs to be connected ata substantially different location, within the range of the cable 353′initially wound on the cable spool assembly 62, 62′, the fiber opticcable 353′ can be taken in or paid out from the cable spool assembly 62,62′.

A discrete length of the cable 353′ is stored and deployed from thecable spool(s) 352′. This discrete length can be roughly matched to agiven installation. Preferably, the discrete length of the cable 353′from the cable spool(s) 352′ is somewhat shorter than the total lengthof deployed cable 353′ required at the given installation. A discretelength of the cable 353′ is stored on the cable spool assembly 62, 62′.However, a variable length of this cable 353′ can be deployed to exactlymatch (i.e., fine tune) the total length of the deployed cable 353′ tothe requirements of the given installation.

The cable assembly 350′ is depicted at FIGS. 35-37 including the cablespool 352′. In other embodiments, other spool assemblies may be used.For example, the spool assemblies disclosed at U.S. provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 61/370,070, filed Aug. 2, 2010, incorporated byreference above, can be included in certain embodiments. In still otherembodiments, the cable spool 352, described above, can be included.

Referring now to FIGS. 38 and 39, a telecommunications assembly 10′ isshown. The telecommunications assembly 10′ is adapted for mounting tothe telecommunications rack 15 (see FIG. 1). The telecommunicationsassembly 10′ is similar to the telecommunications assembly 10, describedabove, and includes a chassis 12′, similar to the chassis 12, and a trayassembly 14″, similar to the tray assemblies 14, 14′, that removablymounts in the chassis 12′. Similar to the chassis 12, the chassis 12′includes a first opening 52′ and a second opening 54′ (see FIG. 40). Asdepicted, a cover 22′ of the chassis 12′ and a base 16′ of the chassis12′ are adjacent the first opening 52′ and the second opening 54′ andare also adjacent an interior region 50′ of the chassis 12′. Asdepicted, the cover 22′ is positioned opposite the base 16′ about theinterior region 50′. The tray assembly 14″ is adapted for insertion intothe chassis 12′ through either the first opening 52′ or the secondopening 54′ of the chassis 12′ and into the interior region 50′. In thedepicted embodiment, the first opening 52′ is a front opening, and thesecond opening 54′ is a back opening. In the depicted embodiment, thesecond opening 54′ is oppositely disposed from the first opening 52′.

As depicted, an access opening 404 is formed by the cover 22′, and anaccess opening 406 is formed by the base 16′. The access opening 406 caninclude a first region 406 a and a second region 406 b. The accessopenings 404, 406 can be adjacent the first opening 52′. In otherembodiments, the access openings 404, 406 can be separated from thefirst opening 52′. The access opening 404 provides access to an adaptermodule 190″ of a termination area 154″. The adapter module 190″ issimilar to the adapter modules 190 and 190′, described above, and thetermination area 154″ is similar to the termination areas 154 and 154′,also described above. The access openings 404, 406 allow fiber opticcables to be routed to the adapter module 190″ and thereby allow thefiber optic cables to be connected to the fiber optic adapters 194mounted in the adapter module 190″. The access opening 404 allows thefiber optic cables to be routed adjacent and/or through the cover 22′,and the access opening 406 allows the fiber optic cables to be routedadjacent and/or through the base 16′. The fiber optic cables can therebybe routed to other areas about the telecommunications rack 15. Thus,fiber optic cables can be routed to the adapter module 190″ from aboveand/or below the telecommunications assembly 10′.

In certain embodiments, the telecommunications assembly 10′ includes afront cover plate 320′. The front cover plate 320′ is engaged to a hinge322′. In the depicted embodiment, the hinge 322′ is connected betweenthe front cover plate 320′ the base 16′. The hinge 322′ can be similarin form and function to the hinge 322, described above. In the depictedembodiment, the front cover plate 320′ is adapted to pivot between anopen position (shown at FIGS. 38 and 39) and a closed position (shown atFIG. 40). As depicted, when in the closed position, the front coverplate 320′ extends between the cover 22′ and the base 16′ andsubstantially covers the interior region 50′ from a front side. Asdepicted, when in the closed position, the front cover plate 320′substantially covers the first opening 52′ from the front side. Thefront cover plate 320′ can be held in the closed position by latches408. As depicted, the latches 408 can engages tabs 410 of the cover 22′.

The front cover plate 320′ can include labels 270′. The labels 270′ canbe similar in form and function to the labels 270, described above. Asdepicted, the labels 270′ can be associated with individual fiber opticadapters 194. As depicted, the labels 270′ can be viewed when the frontcover plate 320′ is in the open position. As depicted, the front coverplate 320′ does not cover the access openings 404, 406. A clip 412 ofthe front cover plate 320′ can be used to hold the labels 270′.

The telecommunications assembly 10′ includes a panel 380 (i.e., abracket and/or a cover). The panel 380 includes a first fasteninglocation 382 and a second fastening location 384. As depicted, the firstfastening location 382 is adjacent a first end portion 386 of the panel380, and the second fastening location 384 is at or near a centerportion 388. The center portion 388 is positioned between the first endportion 386 and a second end portion 390. The panel 380 can be mountedto the telecommunications assembly 10′. In particular, the firstfastening location 382 is joined to an attachment location 392 of thetray assembly 14″, and the second fastening location 384 is joined to anattachment location 394 of the tray assembly 14″. In the depictedembodiment, the attachment location 394 is located on the adapter module190″ of the termination area 154″. In the depicted embodiment thefasteners 214′, described above, are used at the fastening locations382, 384.

The mounting of the panel 380 to the telecommunications assembly 10′ canachieve one or more functions. In particular, a first function isproviding a locking mechanism adapted to prevent a cable spool assembly62″ of the tray assembly 14″, with the attachment location 394, and atray 60″ of the tray assembly 14″, with the attachment location 392,from rotating relative to each other. A second function is providing anelectrical connection between the attachment location 392 of the tray60″ and the attachment location 394 of the cable spool assembly 62″, andthus electrically ground the cable spool assembly 62″ and/or the adaptermodule 190″. A third function is to provide stops 396, 398 that areadapted to prevent the cable spool assembly 62″ and the tray 60″ fromrotating relative to each other. A fourth function is to provide amounting area 400 for mounting labels 270″. The labels 270″ can besimilar in form and function to the labels 270, 270′ described above. Afifth function is to provide a cover 402 that covers the fiber opticcable 232 or a portion of the fiber optic cable 232 within the cablespool assembly 62″.

As depicted, the panel 380 has an “L” shaped configuration extendingfrom the first end portion 386 to the second end portion 390. Asdepicted the first fastening location 382, the second fastening location384, and the stops 396, 398 can be formed from tabs that extend from the“L” shaped extrusion.

The panel 380 may be used in applications with restricted access to therear of the telecommunications assembly 10′ (e.g., in outdoorapplications). For example, in applications where access to the secondopening 54′ is restricted and/or blocked, the panel 380, which can bemounted through the first opening 52′, can be used to lock and/or groundthe cable spool assembly 62″ and thereby avoid using a lock and/or agrounding member at or near the second opening 54′.

Referring now to FIG. 40, a telecommunications assembly 10″ is shown. Asdepicted, the telecommunications assembly 10″ is a reconfiguration ofthe telecommunications assembly 10′. In particular, a locking mechanism240′ is included. The locking mechanism 240′ is similar to the lockingmechanism 240, described above. The locking mechanism 240′ is adapted toprevent the cable spool assembly 62″ from rotating relative to the tray60″. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 240′ provides anelectrical connection between the tray 60″ and the cable spool assembly62″ so as to serve as a ground. The locking mechanism 240′ may be usedin applications with access to the second opening 54′ and/or the rear ofthe telecommunications assembly 10″ (e.g., in indoor applications). Thetelecommunications assembly 10″ may or may not include the panel 380.

The present disclosure describes components and embodiments that aresimilar to other components and embodiments. The various features andcomponents of one embodiment may also be included in other embodiments,where appropriate.

Various modifications and alterations of this disclosure will becomeapparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scopeand spirit of this disclosure, and it should be understood that thescope of this disclosure is not to be unduly limited to the illustrativeembodiments set forth herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A telecommunications apparatus comprising: a basehaving a top side and a bottom side; a first spool mounted to the baseat a location above the top side of the base, the first spool beingrotatable relative to the base; a second spool secured below the bottomside of the base; and a fiber optic cable that is spooled about thefirst spool and is also spooled about the second spool, the fiber opticcable including a jacket containing at least one optical fiber; whereinthe second spool is secured relative to the base such that the baserotates in concert with the second spool when the fiber optic cable ispaid out from the second spool, and wherein the first spool rotatesrelative to the base when the fiber optic cable is paid out from thefirst spool.
 2. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein theat least one optical fiber of the fiber optic cable includes a fiber endthat rotates in concert with the first spool when the fiber optic cableis paid out from the first spool.
 3. The telecommunications apparatus ofclaim 2, wherein the fiber end terminates an end portion of the at leastone optical fiber adapted to be routed over a top side of the firstspool at least after the fiber optic cable has been paid out from thefirst spool.
 4. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 2, wherein thefiber end terminates an end portion of the at least one optical fiberthat is routed over a top side of the first spool, and wherein the firstspool is rotatable relative to the base while the end portion of the atleast one optical fiber is routed over the top side of the first spool,such that the fiber optic cable can be paid off from the first spoolwhile the end portion of the at least one optical fiber is routed overthe top side of the first spool.
 5. The telecommunications apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one optical fiber is connectorized by afiber optic connector that rotates in concert with the first spool whenthe fiber optic cable is paid out from the first spool.
 6. Thetelecommunications apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a connectormounting location for securing the fiber optic connector above a topside of the first spool, wherein the fiber optic connector can besecured at the connector mounting location when the first spool isrotated relative to the base as the fiber optic cable is paid out fromthe first spool.
 7. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 6, furthercomprising a fiber optic adapter positioned above the top side of thefirst spool that rotates in concert with the first spool when the fiberoptic cable is paid out from the first spool.
 8. The telecommunicationsapparatus of claim 7, wherein the fiber optic adapter defines theconnector mounting location, and wherein the fiber optic connector issecured within the fiber optic adapter.
 9. The telecommunicationsapparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one optical fiber of thefiber optic cable includes a plurality of optical fibers having fiberends that rotate in concert with the first spool when the fiber opticcable is paid out from the first spool.
 10. The telecommunicationsapparatus of claim 9, wherein the fiber ends terminate end portions ofthe plurality of optical fibers that are adapted to be routed over a topside of the first spool at least after the fiber optic cable has beenpaid out from the first spool.
 11. The telecommunications apparatus ofclaim 9, wherein the fiber ends terminate end portions of the pluralityof optical fibers which are routed over the top side of the first spool,and wherein the first spool is rotatable relative to the base while theend portions of the plurality of optical fibers are routed over the topside of the first spool, such that the fiber optic cable can be paid offfrom the first spool while the end portions of the plurality of opticalfibers are routed over the top side of the first spool.
 12. Thetelecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least oneoptical fiber includes a plurality of optical fibers connectorized byfiber optic connectors that rotate in concert with the first spool whenthe fiber optic cable is paid out from the first spool.
 13. Thetelecommunications apparatus of claim 12, further comprising connectormounting locations for securing the fiber optic connectors above a topside of the first spool, wherein the fiber optic connectors can besecured at the connector mounting locations when the first spool isrotated relative to the base as the fiber optic cable is paid out fromthe first spool.
 14. The telecommunications apparatus of claim 13,further comprising fiber optic adapters positioned above the top side ofthe first spool that rotate in concert with the first spool when thefiber optic cable is paid out from the first spool.
 15. Thetelecommunications apparatus of claim 14, wherein the fiber opticadapters define the connector mounting locations, and wherein the fiberoptic connectors are secured within the fiber optic adapters.
 16. Thetelecommunications apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least oneoptical fiber includes a plurality of optical fibers, where theplurality of optical fibers are broken-out from the jacket andincorporated into separate pigtails having connectorized ends thatrotate in concert with the first spool when the fiber optic cable ispaid out from the first spool.
 17. The telecommunications apparatus ofclaim 16, further comprising fiber optic adapters positioned above a topside of the first spool that rotate in concert with the first spool whenthe fiber optic cable is paid out from the first spool.
 18. Thetelecommunications apparatus of claim 17, wherein the fiber opticconnectors are secured within the fiber optic adapters.
 19. Thetelecommunications apparatus of claim 1, further comprising cablemanagement structures positioned at a top side of the first spool. 20.The telecommunications apparatus of claim 19, wherein the cablemanagement structures define a cable storage loop.